Nigeria-eligible Noah Ajayi closes in on first Manchester United professional contract
Dual-national winger Noah Ajayi is reportedly on the verge of committing his immediate future to Manchester United after impressing the club’s hierarchy during a breakthrough campaign.
According to Sky Sports, the 17-year-old is set to sign a new contract with the Premier League giants, with his performances earning praise from senior figures within the academy, including academy chief Stephen Torpey.
The agreement would mark an important step in Ajayi’s development, with the teenager poised to sign his first professional contract despite attracting interest from clubs in England and elsewhere in Europe.
German-born attacker attracting interest
Ajayi was born in Hamburg to a German mother and Nigerian father and has represented Germany at both U18 and U19 levels.
He became provisionally cap-tied to Germany in March 2026 after starting the European U19 Championship qualifying match against Bosnia.
Despite his international ties to Germany, Ajayi moved to England with his father when he was 10 and subsequently joined Manchester United’s academy, where he has continued to develop.
His progress accelerated during the 2025/26 season as he established himself as one of the academy’s promising attacking talents.
Nine goals in 25 appearances
Ajayi scored nine goals and registered one assist in 25 appearances during the campaign, performances that have strengthened his standing within the club.
His development has also earned him opportunities on the European stage.
Earlier this month, the teenager made his UEFA Youth League debut when he came off the bench for the final 23 minutes of United’s 5-0 victory over Sabah FK.
The appearance provided another indication of the club’s confidence in his progress as he continues his transition towards senior football.
United win race for rising talent
With interest reportedly coming from clubs in England and across Europe, Manchester United are now expected to secure Ajayi’s future by handing him his first professional deal.
The contract would allow the winger to continue his development at Old Trafford while remaining within a pathway that has already taken him from the club’s academy to European youth competition.
For United, retaining Ajayi represents another investment in a young player whose performances have begun to attract attention beyond the academy.
Dual-national winger Noah Ajayi is reportedly on the verge of committing his immediate future to Manchester United after impressing the club’s hierarchy during a breakthrough campaign.
According to Sky Sports, the 17-year-old is set to sign a new contract with the Premier League giants, with his performances earning praise from senior figures within the academy, including academy chief Stephen Torpey.
The agreement would mark an important step in Ajayi’s development, with the teenager poised to sign his first professional contract despite attracting interest from clubs in England and elsewhere in Europe.
German-born attacker attracting interest
Ajayi was born in Hamburg to a German mother and Nigerian father and has represented Germany at both U18 and U19 levels.
He became provisionally cap-tied to Germany in March 2026 after starting the European U19 Championship qualifying match against Bosnia.
Despite his international ties to Germany, Ajayi moved to England with his father when he was 10 and subsequently joined Manchester United’s academy, where he has continued to develop.
His progress accelerated during the 2025/26 season as he established himself as one of the academy’s promising attacking talents.
Nine goals in 25 appearances
Ajayi scored nine goals and registered one assist in 25 appearances during the campaign, performances that have strengthened his standing within the club.
His development has also earned him opportunities on the European stage.
Earlier this month, the teenager made his UEFA Youth League debut when he came off the bench for the final 23 minutes of United’s 5-0 victory over Sabah FK.
The appearance provided another indication of the club’s confidence in his progress as he continues his transition towards senior football.
United win race for rising talent
With interest reportedly coming from clubs in England and across Europe, Manchester United are now expected to secure Ajayi’s future by handing him his first professional deal.
The contract would allow the winger to continue his development at Old Trafford while remaining within a pathway that has already taken him from the club’s academy to European youth competition.
